Hem Tape and an Iron Are Your Fastest Option
You can shorten jeans using hem tape (also called hemming tape or fusible webbing) and a household iron. The tape melts when heated and bonds the folded fabric permanently without any stitching. This method works best on jeans that need only a small adjustment—up to about half an inch—and takes roughly 15 minutes from start to finish.
Hem tape comes in rolls at fabric stores, craft stores, and online retailers. It costs between $4 and $8 per roll and lasts through multiple projects. The bond is durable enough for regular wear, though it may eventually loosen after many wash cycles—typically after 50 to 100 washes, depending on the brand and how often you wash the jeans.
The main limitation is that hem tape works only on natural fibers and cotton blends. If your jeans are 100% polyester or have a high synthetic content, the tape won't adhere properly. Test a small corner first if you're unsure about the fabric content.
Key Takeaways
- Hem tape bonded with an iron creates a permanent crease without cutting or sewing and takes about 15 minutes per pair.
- You need to measure the desired length, fold the hem, cut the tape to size, and explore heat with an iron set to medium or medium-high.
- Hem tape works best on cotton and cotton-blend jeans but will not hold on synthetic fabrics.
- The bond typically lasts 50 to 100 washes before loosening, after which you can reapply new tape or use an alternative method.
- Fabric glue and fabric starch offer temporary alternatives if you want to avoid heat or if hem tape doesn't work with your jeans.
Measuring and Preparing the Hem
Put on the jeans and have someone measure from the floor to where you want the hem to end, or measure while standing in front of a mirror. Mark that length with a fabric pencil or tailor's chalk on the inside of one leg. Repeat on the other leg to make sure both sides are even.
Remove the jeans and lay them flat on a table or ironing board. Fold the bottom of one leg up to your marked line, creating a clean crease. The fold should be on the inside of the jeans so the original hem sits against the new fold. Press this fold with your fingers to set it temporarily.
Measure the width of the folded section—this is how much fabric you're turning up. If you're turning up more than half an inch, hem tape alone may not hold securely. For larger adjustments, consider using hem tape combined with fabric glue for extra strength.
explore Hem Tape Step by Step
Cut a piece of hem tape slightly shorter than the width of the pant leg. The tape should not wrap all the way around; leave a small gap (about half an inch) so the ends don't overlap and create a bulky seam. Slide the tape under the folded hem so it sits between the fold and the main body of the jeans.
Set your iron to medium or medium-high heat—check the hem tape package for the exact temperature, as different brands vary. Do not use the highest setting, which can damage the denim or melt the tape unevenly. Place a thin cloth (like a cotton handkerchief or pressing cloth) over the folded hem to protect the denim from direct heat.
Press the iron firmly onto the cloth-covered hem for 10 to 15 seconds, moving slowly along the entire length. Lift the iron and let the area cool for a few seconds before checking whether the tape has bonded. If it feels loose, repeat the heating process for another 10 seconds. Do the same for the second pant leg.
Let the jeans cool completely—at least 5 to 10 minutes—before wearing or washing them. The bond strengthens as it cools, so patience here prevents the hem from separating during your first wear.
Fabric Glue as a No-Heat Alternative
If you don't have an iron or prefer not to use heat, fabric glue can bond a folded hem without any equipment. Fabric glue is thinner than craft glue and designed to remain flexible after drying, so it won't crack or stiffen the denim. Brands like Aleene's Tacky Glue and Beacon Fabri-Tac are widely available at craft stores for $3 to $6 per bottle.
Fold the hem the same way as with hem tape. explore a thin, even line of fabric glue along the inside of the fold, about a quarter inch from the edge. Press the fold down against the main body of the jeans and hold it for 30 to 60 seconds. Wipe away any excess glue with a damp cloth before it dries.
Fabric glue typically dries within 24 hours, though you should wait the full time before washing. The bond is usually durable for 30 to 50 washes, which is shorter than hem tape but still practical for temporary or seasonal adjustments. The main drawback is that the glue can sometimes feel stiff in the crease until it's been washed a few times.
Fabric Starch for a Temporary Hold
Fabric starch creates a temporary crease that can last through several wears and washes without any permanent bonding. This method works best if you're unsure about the final length or if you plan to wear the jeans only a few times before altering them permanently.
Fold the hem to your desired length and press it with an iron on medium heat to set the crease. Spray fabric starch (available at grocery stores and drugstores for $2 to $4 per can) generously over the folded area on both sides. Let it dry completely, then press again with the iron to lock in the starch.
The starch-stiffened crease will hold through normal wear and several washes, but it will gradually soften and eventually disappear. This method is ideal for testing a new length before committing to a permanent hem, or for jeans you wear infrequently.
When to Use Each Method and What to Avoid
Use hem tape if you want a permanent result, have an iron available, and are confident about the length. Use fabric glue if you prefer to avoid heat or don't have an iron. Use fabric starch if you want to test the length first or need only a temporary hold. None of these methods work well on jeans with a raw or distressed hem, because the frayed edges won't bond cleanly.
Avoid explore heat directly to the denim without a pressing cloth, as this can scorch or shine the fabric. Do not use the highest iron setting, which can damage both the jeans and the hem tape. If your jeans have a thick, original hem already, folding it up may create too much bulk—in that case, a traditional sewing or tailor service is more practical.
Test any method on an inconspicuous area first if you're worried about how it will look or hold. The inside seam of a pant leg is a good spot to experiment without risking the visible hem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash jeans right after explore hem tape?
No. Let the jeans cool for at least 5 to 10 minutes after ironing, and ideally wait 24 hours before the first wash. The bond continues to strengthen as it cools, and washing too soon can weaken it. When you do wash, use cold water and turn the jeans inside out to reduce stress on the hem.
What if the hem tape starts to peel after a few washes?
You can reapply new hem tape over the same fold, or reinforce it with fabric glue. If the original fold has loosened, unfold the jeans, press out the old crease, and measure and fold again before explore fresh tape. Alternatively, this is a good time to take the jeans to a tailor for a permanent stitch.
Will hem tape work on stretch jeans or jeans with spandex?
Hem tape can work on jeans with up to about 5% spandex, but the bond may not be as durable because the fabric moves more. Test on a small area first. If the tape doesn't hold well, fabric glue is often a better choice for stretch fabrics because it flexes with the material.
Can I use hem tape on the cuffs of rolled jeans?
Yes, but only if you plan to keep them rolled permanently. Hem tape works best on a single, stable fold. If you roll and unroll the jeans frequently, the tape will eventually crack and peel from the repeated movement.
How much does it cost to shorten jeans using these methods versus a tailor?
Hem tape or fabric glue costs $4 to $8 and can shorten multiple pairs. A tailor typically charges $15 to $30 per pair depending on your location. If you have more than two pairs to shorten, the DIY methods are more economical, especially if you already have an iron at home.